Dr. David J. Skorton became the Smithsonian Institutions 13th Secretary in its 169-year history on July 1, 2015. Previously, Skorton served as president at Cornell University and Iowa University. His background and training is in cardiology, which he taught for twenty-six years. He is the first medical doctor to lead the Smithsonian.
In assuming his new position Skorton stated, “With its diverse collections and staff, the Smithsonian is uniquely positioned to lead a global dialogue on critical questions where the arts, humanities and sciences intersect. The Smithsonian can advance our understanding of the world around us through a distinctly American perspective.” https://newsdesk.si.edu/releases/smithsonian-welcomes-secretary-david-skorton
